Manuel (Lou) Kratzer died of renal failure on September 15, 2016. Lou was born July 31, 1937 in Muncie, Indiana. His parents were Barbara and Bob Kratzer.
He attended Mississippi Southern University. He served our country in the U.S. 2nd Armored Division Army Band at Ft. Hood, Texas. He was retired from Ball State University.
Lou was married to Lula (Lou) Roach in 1961.
Lou was an accomplished professional musician and arranger for 60 years. During his career he performed in shows with Bob Hope, Carol Channing and with Blue Barron, Ralph Marterie, Larry Mechem, Other Four and Soft Winds Bands.
Lou is survived by his wife Lou, sister-in-law Elise Shinn and life-long friends Sherry and Karl Read and Diane and Bill Kennaugh.
Tom and Shirley Connolly says
For the family, our hearts are with you all. As one of Manuel’s (Lou’s) cousins, I will always have good memories of his life as Aunt Barbara’s son, as an awesome musician, as a patriot for our country. I loved the emails from Lou I was fortunate to read. May the Lord be with you all right now knowing Manuel now rests in peace.
Denny and Pam Ice and family says
We are so sorry to hear of Lou’s passing. I am glad Denny and the boys got to visit with Lou. If we can help in any way please don’t hesitate to ask. Pam and Denny
Phil Carrow says
I’m sorry to hear of Lou’s passing. I worked with him a buddy of mine on his property for a couple years during college. He was a great guy, very patriotic and hard working.
Rich Pulin says
Lou crossed my mind and heart today, and I decided to look him up,
as I’d done numerous times since we were both friends and student colleagues in the very first Mississippi Southern Jazz Band, in 1959-60…..Lou was one of a few of us in the band that contributed arrangements for that initial band, Lou and several of us undertook the tedious task of copying the arrangements from Les Brown, and other big band recordings…He and I became friends at that time, and were in touch, periodically, several times…the last, when I just ‘happened’ to be residing in Ohio, we made a car expedition from Columbus over to Muncie, to see Mr & Mrs Lou, and play in his wonderful big band!
I am truly saddened to see that Lou left us, but I’m sure he’s in GREAT company! God Rest His Soul!
AMEN!